Map Library Resources

Maps and GIS has roughly 100,000 air photos. Regions include Greater Victoria, most of Vancouver Island, the Lower Mainland and Haida Gwaii (Queen Charlotte Islands). The photos, in colour and black and white, date from 1926 to 2005, and can be found in scales from 1:5,000 to 1:70,000.

Air photos are kept in the Maps & GIS department in Mearns - McPherson Library, on the main floor to the right of the Ask Us Desk. 

They are filed in the cabinets by roll number (flight lines).

Most air photos may be borrowed for the same loan period as books. Sign them out and return them to the Ask Us Desk.

UVic Maps and GIS air photo database indicates what UVic Libraries has.

Different tools can help you identify useful photos from different regions and eras. Locate your photos using one of the tools below. Once you have identified the photo you want, look it up in UVic Libraries' air photo database by roll number and photo number.

BC air photos from 1963 - present

• Use the BC Government's Imagery Finder to look up air photos by location or feature.

BC air photos from before 1964

• Use the BC Government's Historical Index Maps to look up historical air photos by location or feature.

Canada federal air photos

• Use Natural Resources Canada's Earth Observation Data Management System to search for air photos across Canada, including Victoria and Vancouver island.
• We also have access to a series of air photo index maps from the National Air Photo Library. 

  These maps were intended to be used only as internal documents for Natural Resources Canada. They have handwritten notes, are taped in areas, and were not intended as public documents.

  These airphoto index maps are organized using the National Topographic System. They show flight lines. The circled numbers indicate the photo numbers.

  • 92ABGH(1951-1959)
  • 92B5E6W(1928-1932)
  • 92B6W(1966)
  • 92B11(1928-1932)
  • 92E(1932)
  • 92G(1959-1960)
  • 92L(1938)
  • 103F,G,J,K(1978-1980)
  • 92(1971)